06/20/2006 (3) - Laserfiche WebLink

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Chairman Neuberger sought clarification on the “2% of total 911 call volume” mentioned in the backup, which he thought was dramatic. Chief Davis did not know where that figure came from. Discussion ensued regarding the 2% call volume. Commissioner Wheeler felt that Sebastian, being the City with the largest population in the County, and given the money generated through traffic tickets plus the 50 cents surcharge on phone lines, that should give them the right to have their 911 PSAP. Commissioner Lowther recalled that Martin County has a centralized 911 system. Discussion ensued regarding the dispatch/routing of emergency calls. Emergency Services Director John King provided statistics for January 1 to December 31, 2005 on the amount of responses for that period. He suggested that rather than a decentralized system they invest in the PSAP system. Discussion followed regarding fire rescue systems of other counties and whether consolidation was the way to go. Indian River County Sheriff Roy Raymond expressed opposition to the PSAP system. To illustrate certain confusions in call taking and dispatching, the Sebastian Police Department requested permission to air a taped conversation of a 911 dispatcher transferring a 911 call on its administrative line. The Board voted to air the recording. Commissioner Bowden opposed. Further discussion ensued on the dispatching of calls. Commissioner Wheeler asked how much additional cost it would be for the City of Sebastian to man the program. City of Vero Beach Police Chief Don Dappen felt it was important to mention public safety. Although cost was important they could not put a figure on public safety. He discussed the City’s response time and was proud of its 3-minute responses. He hoped the Board was not thinking of enjoining Vero Beach into centralized dispatch, as he felt that would be a huge mistake. June 20, 2006 20